Snap cap with deep plug and seal overmold

ABSTRACT

In one example, a cap includes a body that has a plug defined by a recess extending downward from an upper surface of the body. The body also includes a skirt disposed circumferentially about the plug such that a gap is defined between an exterior surface of the plug and an inner surface of the skirt. Two or more tongues are connected to the skirt and extend radially inward toward the plug, each of the tongues configured to releasably engage respective corresponding structure of a container. A seal is provided that is disposed about an outer surface of the plug so as to be concentric with the plug, the seal including multiple radially extending circumferential fins.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following United States patents: U.S.Pat. No. 7,980,427 (Ser. No. 11/762,861), entitled CLOSING SYSTEM FOR ACONTAINER, FOR EXAMPLE FOR TRIGGER DISPENSER to Contiero (the “427Patent”); and, U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,491 (Ser. No. 12/335,793), entitledCLOSING SYSTEM FOR A CONTAINER, FOR EXAMPLE FOR TRIGGER DISPENSER toContiero (the “'491 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,668 (Ser. No.13/868,801), entitled TRIGGER DISPENSER DEVICE to Alluigi et al. (the“'668 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,953 (Ser. No. 13/609,056), entitledBOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL DIP TUBE to Dennis (the “'953 Patent”); U.S. Pat.No. 8,839,992 (Ser. No. 14/098,420), entitled BOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL DIPTUBE to Dennis (the “'992 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,627,985 (Ser. No.13/786,058), entitled BOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL DIP TUBE to Dennis (the “'985Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,033 (Ser. No. 13/626,828), entitledPROCESS OF MAKING A SHRINK SLEEVE ON A BOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL DIP TUBE toHoefing et al. (the “'033 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,659 (Ser.13/069,637), entitled MULTI-CHAMBER FLUID DISPENSING CONTAINER WITH DIPTUBES to Dennis (the “'659 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,453,950 (Ser.13/020,657), entitled HOSE SPRAYER WITH INTEGRAL DIP TUBE to Dennis (the“'950 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,430 (Ser. No. 13/020,645), entitledREMOTE SPRAYER WITH INTEGRAL DIP TUBE to Dennis (the “'430 Patent”);U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,429 (Ser. No. 12/616,282), entitled BOTTLE WITHINTEGRAL DIP TUBE to Dennis (the “'429 Patent”); U.S. Pat. No.8,297,479(Ser. No. 12/731,983), entitled SHRINK SLEEVE ON BOTTLE WITH INTEGRALDIP TUBE to Hoefing et al. (the “'479 Patent”); and, U.S. Pat. No.8,038,040 (Ser. No. 12/254,132), entitled BOTTLE WITH INTEGRAL DIP TUBEto Dennis (the “'040 Patent”). All of the aforementioned patents areincorporated herein in their respective entireties by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally concern fluid containersand associated caps. More particularly, example embodiments of theinvention relate to a cap that includes a relatively deep plug with aseal overmold.

BACKGROUND

Temporary seals are commonly used on fluid and other containers toensure that the container contents do not leak out while the containeris in transit to an end user, such as a consumer. One type of temporaryseal includes a seal, which can be made of foil, which is attached to arim of the container with adhesive. The seal helps to ensure that thecontents of the container do not escape inadvertently. A cap attached tothe container covers the seal and helps to ensure that no damage to theseal occurs while the container is in transit. When the containerreaches the end user, the user can remove the seal and access thecontents of the container, replacing the cap when finished.

Temporary seals such as those just described have proven effective incertain circumstances. In particular, such temporary seals can performwell when the container is shipped in an upright position. In othercircumstances however, such temporary seals have proven problematic fora variety of reasons. One drawback using temporary seals is that theyusually require heat to create the seal with the bottle finish andsealing with heat can deform the finish. In addition, many temporaryseals require a wide wall with to create a good seal which doesn't workwith thinner walls. This is particularly so where the container is madeof plastic or other material that can be readily distorted whensubjected to various forces. The extra material used to make thickerwalls and the extra steps, such as heating, to create the temporaryseals add additional costs and complexity to the manufacturing processthat are not desirable.

For example, when containers with foil or similar temporary seals areoriented on their side, whether during shipping and/or at other times,the container may be subjected to forces, which may be compressive innature, that can temporarily distort the container and thereby increasethe pressure in the interior of the container. The internal pressureincrease can compromise the integrity of the temporary seal, resultingin leakage from the container.

These forces can be imposed by a variety of mechanisms, such as bystacking containers on top of each other. Forces can also be exerted onthe container if the container is dropped or otherwise mishandled. Asanother example, a pressure differential can be imposed if the containeris filled and sealed at a low elevation location, but then transportedto a high elevation location. In particular, the pressure differentialbetween the inside of the container and the exterior high elevationenvironment may be significantly higher than the pressure differentialbetween the inside of the container and the exterior low elevationenvironment. As well, excessive vibration, either alone or incombination with the exertion of other forces on the container, can alsocompromise the seal of the container.

The integrity of the temporary seal can also be compromised as a resultof shortcomings in the design of the cap of the container. For example,some caps have a bayonet configuration that allows the cap to be fullyseated on the container with a bit of downward pressure. However, capshaving a bayonet configuration may be relatively light weight with arelatively loose fit on the finish and, as such, are not adequate toprevent distortion of the associated container in the area of the sealwhen the container is subjected to distorting forces. A comparison ofthreaded caps and bayonet caps serves to illustrate this point.

In particular, threaded caps can provide a degree of backup protectionagainst leakage in the event that forces are exerted on the containersthat are sufficient to compromise the integrity of the seal. This is dueto the fact that threaded caps typically include multiple threads thatcontact corresponding threads of the container. Because the totalcontact area between the cap and container may be relatively large, thethreaded cap thus may be able to adequately seal the containernotwithstanding damage to the seal. However, a bayonet cap, by itsnature, has significantly less physical contact with the container and,as such, is typically inadequate to prevent leakage from the containerif the seal is damaged.

In light of problems such as those noted above, it would be useful toprovide a cap for a fluid container that is able to maintain a fluidtight seal of the container when the container is subjected to forcesthat may distort the container. It would also be useful to provide sucha cap in a bayonet configuration.

ASPECTS OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

One or more embodiments within the scope of the invention may beeffective in overcoming one or more of the disadvantages in the art,although it is not required that any embodiment resolve any particularproblem(s). One example embodiment is directed to a container thatincludes a cap. The container is made of an elastically deformablematerial such as plastic, and can be formed by various processes,including blow molding. The cap and container are configured toreleasably engage each other by way of a bayonet connection configuredsuch that respective portions of the cap and container interfere witheach other in certain orientations of the cap relative to the container.

The cap includes a relatively deep plug that extends downward into thecontainer when the cap is fully engaged with the container. A seal isdisposed about the exterior of the plug and includes a plurality ofcircumferential sealing elements that protrude radially from the outersurface of the plug and seal the interior of the container when the capis fully engaged with the container. The sealing elements of the sealare made of a pliable material capable of elastic deformation, such aswhen the plug of the cap is inserted into, and removed from, thecontainer.

Advantageously, the pliability of the sealing elements enables them toaccommodate irregularities and variations in the shape and/or size ofthe portion of the container to which the cap is connected, such thatthe container can be sealed notwithstanding the presence of suchirregularities and variations. As well, the pliability of the sealingelements enables them to change shape and/or orientation whilemaintaining contact with the container, so as to maintain a seal of thecontainer notwithstanding distortion or deformation of the containerresulting from the application of a force or forces to the container.Further, the relative rigidity and depth of the plug helps to support aneck portion of the container when a load is applied to the cap and/orcontainer, thus helping to control and minimize distortion of thecontainer and the container/cap interface.

The foregoing embodiment is provided solely by way of example and is notintended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Consistently,various other embodiments of containers and caps within the scope of theinvention are disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which at least some aspects of thisdisclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only example embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, embodiments of theinvention will be described and explained with additional specificityand detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1-8 are views of an example container in connection with whichvarious embodiments of a cap may be employed;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 11 is a first side view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 12 is a second side view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 13 is a third side view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 14 is a fourth side view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 17 is a perspective section view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 18 is a section view of an example embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 19 is a time sequence showing the performance of an example capwhen subjected to a load; and

FIG. 20 is a graph showing change in pressure over time in radial andaxial directions of a neck portion of a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of various embodimentsof the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. While described in conjunction with theseembodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limitthe disclosure to these embodiments.

In general, embodiments of the invention can be employed in connectionwith containers configured to hold any type of material, includingfluids, solids, and combinations of fluids and solids. Some particularembodiments of the invention can be used in conjunction with a fluidcontainer, although the scope of the invention is not limited to thisexample environment and extends, more generally, to any environmentwhere such embodiments can be usefully employed. More generally,embodiments of the invention can be employed in any environment where acontainer seal is needed.

A. Example Container

Directing attention now to FIGS. 1-8, details are provided concerning acontainer, one example of which is denoted generally at 100. In thisexample, the container 100 can be used to hold a liquid, or liquids, butthe scope of the invention is not limited to containers for use withliquids. In at least some embodiments, the container 100 can contain aliquid, examples of which include, but are not limited to, hypochloritebleach, ethanol, surfactants, d-limonene, cleaning products, car careproducts, and lawn and garden products. More generally, the container100 could be used with any other fluid or material that is chemicallycompatible with the container 100 material. It should be noted that inaddition to the container 100, various other containers can also be usedin connection with embodiments of a cap (discussed below). Examples ofsuch containers are disclosed in the ‘Related Applications’ section ofthis disclosure.

In general, the container 100 can be made of an elastically deformablematerial, such as plastic for example. One particular plastic that canbe used is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), although other plasticscould be used as well. The container 100 can be produced using anysuitable method, such as extrusion blow molding (EBM) for example. Assuch, the container 100 can take the form of a unified single-piecestructure. Other materials and/or processes can alternatively be used inthe construction of the container 100 however.

As shown in FIGS. 1-8, the container 100 can include a dip tube 102 thatis positioned on an outer surface of the container 100. In general, thedip tube 102 enables the user to dispense all, or substantially all, ofthe liquid in the container 100, as explained below. The dip tube 102 isnot required however and, as such, the dip tube 102 is omitted from someembodiments.

The dip tube 102 can be integral with the container 100. A lower end 102a of the dip tube 102 can serve as a fluid inlet of the dip tube 102 andis arranged for fluid communication with a reservoir 104 defined by thecontainer 100. An upper end 102 b can serve as a fluid outlet of the diptube 102 and is connected to the container 100 near a neck portion 106that defines an opening of the container. Thus, the entire dip tube 102from the lower end 102 a to the upper end 102 b is arranged for fluidcommunication with the reservoir 104 of the container 100.

Advantageously, when the container 100 is tipped toward the right (asviewed in FIG. 6), the lower end 102 a of the dip tube 102 may bepositioned at, or near, a position of maximum depth in the fluid of thecontainer. This configuration enables the user to dispense all, orsubstantially all, of the fluid from the container 100, notwithstandingthat the container 100 may be tipped about 90 degrees, or more, awayfrom vertical, and notwithstanding that the container 100 may be nearlyempty.

As well, when the container 100 is nearly empty, fluid in the bottom ofthe container 100 enters the lower end 102 a of the dip tube 102 as thecontainer 100 is tilted, thus enabling the liquid to be dispensed fromthe upper end 102 b of the dip tube 102 while the container 100 istilted. Thus, the consumer is able to make efficient use of most of thecontents of the container 100, thereby reducing waste, as well aslowering costs.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, the container 100 can beconfigured to accommodate various components. Examples of suchcomponents include caps (not shown), and triggers (not shown) fordispensing a material contained in the container 100. In someembodiments, both caps and triggers are employed at various differenttimes. For example, a cap may be connected to the neck portion 106 ofthe container 100 while the container 100 is in transit to an end user,after which time, the end user can replace the cap with a trigger.Example cap configurations are discussed below in connection with FIGS.9-18. Some example trigger configurations that can be used are disclosedin in the ‘Related Applications’ section of this disclosure.

In general, various elements such as the caps (discussed in furtherdetail below) and triggers (not shown) can be provided that areconfigured to releasably engage the container 100, specifically, theneck portion 106 of the container 100. In terms of their operation,various embodiments of such caps and triggers can be pushed down ontothe neck portion 106 until fully seated on the container 100, and thenrotated into a locked position. This attachment and locking of the capor trigger can be accomplished regardless of the initial rotationalposition of the cap or trigger relative to the neck portion 106 of thecontainer 100. That is, the user is not required to align the cap ortrigger in any particular orientation prior to connecting the cap ortrigger to the container 100. Caps and triggers that are configured andoperate in the manner described above may be referred to as snap capsand snap triggers, respectively.

In more detail, and as indicated in FIGS. 1-8, the outside of the neckportion 106 may include various elements 108 that collectively define afirst portion of a closing system having a bayonet configuration.Corresponding elements (discussed below) can be provided on a cap (notshown) and are configured to releasably engage the elements 108 of theneck portion 106 such that the cap can be secured on the neck portion106 with less than a full turn of the cap, such as a half turn, aquarter turn, or a one-eighth turn, for example. At least someembodiments of the container, and associated cap or trigger,collectively employ a closing system such as those disclosed in the '427Patent and the '491 Patent.

B. Example Caps

With the forgoing discussion of some example operating environmentconditions in view, attention is directed now to FIGS. 9-18, whichprovide details concerning a cap that can be used with containers suchas container 100, or the other containers that form a part of thisdisclosure. One example of such a cap is denoted generally at 200. Thecap 200 includes a body 202 that can be made of plastic, such as HDPE,and/or any other suitable material(s). The body 202 can be made using aninjection molding process, or any other suitable process(es). In atleast some embodiments, the body 202 takes the form of a unified singlepiece structure. In general, the body 202 can be made of any materialthat is compatible with the anticipated contents of the container towhich the cap 200 is anticipated to be used.

The body 202 can include one or more protruding grip elements 204 on theskirt 206 that enable a user to grasp and rotate the cap 200. As notedearlier, the cap 200 can include elements of closing system, such asinwardly extending tongues 208 positioned in respective windows 210, andone or more protrusions 212. In this embodiment, the tongues 208 andprotrusions 212 allow the cap to lock or snap into place. The number oftongues 208 and/or protrusions may vary in different embodiments of theinvention (e.g. 1-4, or 2-6, or 3-6 elements of a closing systemincluding tongues and protrusions, etc.) With reference to theillustrated embodiment, two windows 210 are provided that are spacedabout 180 degrees apart from each other. In other embodiments, more orfewer windows 210 can be provided. In this embodiment, the windows 210allow the tongues 208 to maintain a good locking formation and positionbut the windows do not actually help lock or retain the cap in place. Inone particular embodiment, four windows 210 and four tongues 208 areprovided, and they may be spaced substantially equally about thecircumference of the cap 200. As best shown in FIG. 18, the skirt 206can be flared such that the outside diameter of the skirt 206 at the topof the cap 200 is relatively smaller than an outside diameter of theskirt 206 at the bottom of the cap 200.

As indicated above, where multiple windows 210 are provided, the windows210 may be equally spaced about a circumference of the cap 200, althoughthat is not necessarily required. In some embodiments at least, theconfiguration and operation of the tongue 208, window 210, andprotrusion 212 can be similar, or identical, to any of the embodimentsof a tongue, window and protrusion, respectively, disclosed in the‘Related Applications’ section of this disclosure including, forexample, the '427 Patent and the '491 Patent. As such, the tongue 208,window 210 and protrusion 212 can form part of a bayonet type closingsystem for a container that enables the removable attachment of the cap200 to a container, such as container 100 for example.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9-18, the body 202 of the cap 200includes a downwardly extending plug 214. When viewed from the top, asin FIG. 15 for example, the plug 214 appears as a recess 218 in a topsurface 216 of the cap 200. As shown, the recess 218 may be generallycylindrical in shape and can have a convex, pointed, or conical, bottom218 a. In general, the plug 214 is configured so that its side wall 214a is spaced apart from an inner surface 206 a of the skirt 206. The gap220 thus formed by this configuration and arrangement of the side wall214 a and the inner surface 206 a is necessary for accommodation of theneck portion 106 of the container 100. In at least some embodiments, thebottom of the plug 214 is closed. As such, when the plug 214 is fullyengaged with a container, such as with the neck portion 106 of thecontainer 100, no fluid communication can occur between the interior ofthe container and the recess 218.

The recess 218 that defines the plug 214 can have an inside diameterthat is in the range of about 50% to about 60% of the overall diameterof the cap 200. Ratios in this range may enable a relatively wide plug214 to be employed, while still allowing adequate radial space for aseal, such as the seal 300 discussed below. Thus, in one specificembodiment, the recess 218 can have an inside diameter in the range ofabout 20 mm to about 25 mm, while the overall cap 200 diameter in thisexample can be in the range of about 30 mm to about 35 mm. However,larger or smaller inside diameters can be used for the plug recess 218,and larger or smaller diameters can also be used for the cap 200. Insome embodiments, any one or more of the skirt 206, plug 214, plugbottom 214 b and the cap 200 portion that defines the top surface 216can have a wall thickness of about 5 mm, although larger or smaller wallthicknesses could be used. Some embodiments of the cap 200 can have thesame wall thickness throughout the entire structure, such as a wallthickness of about 5 mm for example.

As well, the plug 214 may be relatively deep, so as to affordachievement of an acceptable seal with the cap 200, as discussed in moredetail below. Thus, in some embodiments, the depth of the plug 214 atits deepest part, that is, as measured from the top surface 216 of thebody 202 to the bottom 214 b of the plug 214, may be in the range ofabout 50% to about 95%, or about 60% to about 90%, or 70% to about 85%of the overall height of the cap 200. In one particular illustrativeexample, the depth of the plug 214 at its deepest part is about 16 mm,and the overall height of the cap 200 in this illustrative example isabout 19 mm. Shallower, or deeper, plugs 214 can alternatively be used.In alternative embodiments of the invention, the depth of the plug maybe 10 mm to about 30 mm, or about 10 mm to 25 mm, or about 12 mm to 20mm, or about 15 mm to 20 mm.

In terms of the extent to which the plug 214 extends into, for example,a neck portion 106 of a container, the plug 214 can be configured sothat a substantial portion, or all, of the plug 214 resides within theneck portion 106 of the container 100 when the plug 214 is fully engagedwith the container 100. With reference to the aforementioned example inwhich the cap 200 has an overall height of about 19 mm and a plug depthof about 16 mm, the cap 200 can be positioned on a neck portion 106 thathas a height of about 15 mm from its uppermost edge to the shoulder ofthe container 100 (see neck portion 106 shown in phantom in, forexample, FIG. 4). In this example, the plug 214 depth is slightly largerthan the height of the neck portion 106, with the result that about 80%or more of the depth of the plug 214 resides inside the neck portion106. A deep plug that extends into the neck portion may be beneficial towork in conjunction with the tongues and protrusions that retain the capafter it snaps into place because the deep plug prevents stabilized thesnap cap. The stability of the deep plug can prevent the cap from movingor rocking in its sealed arrangement so it reduces the chance ofleaking.

As best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the bottom of the plug 214 may beconvex or pointed such that the depth of the plug 214 varies between theside wall 214 a of the plug 214 and the center of the plug 214. Where aconvex shape is employed for the bottom of the plug 214, the plug 214may be able to withstand pressure variations in a container withoutexperiencing plastic deformation. Thus, in some circumstances, a plugwhose bottom has a convex shape may be preferable to a plug whose bottomis flat. In this embodiment, the plug has a bottom that is convex whichmaintains a convex shape over a pressure range of about −2 MPa to 4 MPa.As well, a plug with a convex bottom may be configured to assume variousshapes or configurations within a range of elastic deformation boundedby an undeformed state where the bottom is convex and another statewhere the bottom has deflected upward under the influence of pressure ina container to assume a configuration in which the bottom of the plug issubstantially flat. In addition, a plug with a continuous, closed bottommay also desirable to resist deformation under pressure. In theseembodiments, the closed, convex bottom of the plug may deform underpressure of about 4 MPa or less, deflecting the bottom upward towardhaving a substantially flat bottom, but preferably even less than 4 MPaof pressure the bottom will be at least flat or slightly convex.Maintaining the convex shape of the bottom of the plug under pressure isimportant to maintaining a good seal for the sealing elements and notallowing any fluid to leak out of the container.

In other embodiments, the bottom of the plug 214 can be relatively flat,such that the depth of the plug does not vary between the side wall 214a of the plug 214 and the center of the plug 214 (i.e. the deepestportion of the bottom of the plug 214 may be about 0.05 mm to about 5mm, or 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, or 0.5 mm to about 2 mm than the side wall214 a). In still other embodiments, the bottom of the plug 214, or otherplugs disclosed herein, can be concave. In alternative embodiments, thebottom of the plug may be conical, pointed, triangular, pyramidal, oranother suitable shape where the deepest portion of the bottom of theplug 214 extends below the side wall 214 a. In some embodiments, thebottom 214 b of the plug 214 can have a textured surface, such as apebbled surface for example, while in other embodiments, the bottom 214b of the plug 214 is substantially smooth.

The illustrated example of a plug 214 includes a side wall 214 a that isangled slightly, about 6 degrees, off of vertical, such that the sidewall 214 a is angled radially outwardly. Thus, embodiments of a plug maybe configured to relatively wider, or narrower, at the bottom of theplug than at the top of the plug. More generally, the side wall of theseexample embodiments of a plug is non-vertical in its orientation. Inother embodiments, the plug 214 can be cylindrical in shape, such thatthe side wall 214 a is vertical. Any of these example side wallconfigurations can each be combined with any of the plug bottom shapesdisclosed herein. As well, the skirt 206 of the cap 200 can becylindrical in shape, or the skirt 206 can be angled slightly, such asabout 2 degrees, off of vertical, such that the skirt 206 is angledradially outwardly. As a result of the angled configuration of the skirt206 and/or side wall 214 a, the gap 220 may be configured so that it isrelatively wider at the bottom, that is, where the gap 220 is open, thanat the top, that is, where the gap 220 is closed off. Thus, the outsidediameter of the gap 220 may vary.

As further shown in FIGS. 9-18, the cap 200 includes a seal, one exampleof which is denoted generally at 300. The seal 300 can also be used withany other component attachable to the top of a container such ascontainer 100. Examples of such components include the triggerembodiments that form a part of this disclosure.

The seal 300, which can be formed as a single piece of material, fitsaround the plug 214 and thus resides in the space between the side wall214 a of the plug 214 and the inner surface 206 a of the skirt 206.Accordingly, the seal 300 can have a generally tubular configuration,although that is not necessarily required. In some embodiments, the seal300 can be molded around the plug 214 in an overmolding process.Alternatively, the seal 300 could be configured so that when it is in anundeformed state, the seal 300 interferes with the side wall 214 a. Theseal 300 can be elastically deformed, such as by stretching for example,and then placed around the side wall 214 a. In either of theaforementioned processes, a secure fit is achieved between the seal 300and the side wall 214 a.

In general, any seal 300 material that is compatible with the contentsof the container 100 can be used. As suggested above, the seal 300 canbe made of a material that is elastically deformable. In someembodiments, the seal 300 is made of one or more thermoplasticelastomers (TPE). A TPE can include a mix of plastic and rubber. Assuch, embodiments of the seal 300 can be produced using an injectionmolding process, or any other suitable process. The TPE material enablesthe seal 300 to be elastically deformed during use, as discussed below.Examples of suitable TPE materials include, but are not limited to,those sold in connection with the Dynaflex™ mark.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9-18, the seal 300 includes aplurality of sealing elements 302. In the illustrated example, thesealing elements 302 protrude outwardly in a radial direction relativeto the plug 214 and can take the form of protruding elements such ascircumferential fins extending about the circumference of the plug 214.Thus configured and arranged, the use of multiple sealing elements 302provides a level of redundancy since each sealing element 302 is able toact independently of the other sealing elements to seal the cap 200 tothe container.

Irrespective of their particular configuration and arrangement, thesealing elements 302 are generally configured and arranged such that,when in an undeformed state, the sealing elements 302 interfere with aportion of the container to which the cap 200 is to be affixed. Forexample, the outside diameter of the sealing elements 302, when in anundeformed state, can be larger than an inside diameter of the neckportion 106 of an associated container, such as the container 100 forexample.

Any number of sealing elements 302 can be used. In some exampleembodiments, four sealing elements 302 are employed, although any numbermore than four sealing elements 302, or fewer than four sealing elements302, could be used. The number of sealing elements 302 in any particularembodiment can be a function of various considerations, such as the sizeand/or configuration of the sealing elements 302, for example. Forexample, relatively thick sealing elements 302 may enable the use offewer sealing elements 302 than if the sealing elements 302 wererelatively thinner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing elements 302 each havesubstantially the same size and configuration. As well, the spacingbetween successive sealing elements 302 is substantially the same.Alternative embodiments can be employed however. For example, one ormore sealing elements 302 may have a different size and/or configurationthan another of the sealing elements 302. As another example, thespacing between two successive sealing elements 302 can be differentthan the spacing between another two successive sealing elements 302. Asthese examples indicate, the disclosed configurations and arrangementsof the sealing elements 302 are presented only by way of example, andare not limiting of the scope of the invention.

With continued reference to the Figures, it can be seen that the exampleillustrated sealing elements 302 have generally triangular cross-sectionshape that comes to a point. In other embodiments, the cross-sectionshape is also triangular, but rounded off at the tip. In still otherembodiments, different cross-section shapes can be used for the sealingelements 302. For example, some example alternative cross-section shapesthat can be used for the sealing elements 302 are hemispherical,elliptical, and parabolic. In a single embodiment, sealing elements 302of different respective cross-section shapes can be used together.

C. Example Caps

With reference finally to FIG. 19, details are provided concerning theperformance of an example cap when subjected to loads such as might beexperienced if the container and cap were dropped. In general, FIG. 19illustrates the increasing extent to which a cap and associated seal aredeformed as a result of the imposition of loading such as described inthe example test evolution disclosed herein. The deformation of the capand seal is minimal at time ‘t1’ when the test begins, and reaches arelative maximum at time ‘t4.’

In more detail, and continuing with the numbering conventions employedin discussion of FIGS. 9-18, a container 100 is disclosed to which a cap200 is connected. As shown, the neck portion 106 of the containerextends into the gap 220 between the side wall 214 a of the plug 214 andthe inner surface 206 a of the skirt 206. An upper flared rim 304 of theseal 300 limits travel of the cap 200 onto the neck portion 106 and, incooperation with the sealing elements 302, also helps to seal the neckportion 106 so as to prevent leakage from the container 100.

As can be collectively seen in the four time sequential views of FIG.19, a seal between the neck portion 106 of the container 100 and the cap200 is maintained, notwithstanding significant deformation of one ormore of the sealing elements 302. Thus, portions of the seal 300, suchas the sealing elements 302, are able to accommodate elastic deformationand/or displacement of the container 100 and/or cap 200, such as canoccur as the result of imposition of a load, while still maintaining aseal of the container 100. Specifically, the sealing elements 302 and/orother portions of the seal 300 can change shape and orientation inresponse to imposed loads.

That is, the elastic deformability of the seal 300 enables the seal 300to dynamically react to loads imposed on the container 100 and/or cap200, while still maintaining the fluid tightness of the container 100.The loads imposed on the container 100 and/or cap 200 can include staticand/or dynamic components. Thus, the ability of the seal 300 to react tosuch loads is helpful in maintaining the container 100 in a fluid tightstate.

Depending upon factors such as the orientation of the container 100 andcap 200, the nature of applied load(s), and the point(s) of applicationof loads on the container 100 and cap 200, some parts of the seal,including the sealing elements 302, may be deformed and/or displaced toa relatively greater extent than other parts of the seal 300, includingthe sealing elements 302. That is, the seal 300 may be non-uniformlydeformed and/or displaced in response to application of a load, orloads, on the container 100 and cap 200. For example, and as shown inFIG. 19, at times t3 and t4, the sealing elements 302 are deformed to arelatively greater extent on side ‘A’ than on side ‘B.’

Moreover, at times t3 and t4, the body 202 of the cap 200 issignificantly deformed as well, and the upper flared rim 304 of the seal300 has pulled away from the body 202 of the cap 200. In particular, thetop surface 216 of the body 202 has assumed a convex shape and the loweredge of the body 202 has begun to pull away from the outside of the neck106. Notwithstanding, the presence of multiple, deformable, sealingelements 302 helps to ensure that the neck 106 of the container 100remains sealed. For example, as shown at time t4, significant contact ispresent between one or more sealing elements 302 and the inside of theneck 106. As also noted herein, the bottom of the plug may elasticallydeform in response to static and/or dynamic pressure loads. For example,the bottom of the plug may elastically deform in a range bounded by afirst state where the bottom of the plug is convex and a second statewhere the bottom of the plug is flat. Either the convex configuration orthe flat configuration can be the not deformed state of the plug. In analternative example, the bottom of the plug may elastically deform in arange bounded by a first state where the bottom of the plug is convexand a second state where the bottom of the plug is still convex.

D. Operating Environment Considerations

As noted herein, embodiments of the invention have been determined to beparticularly well suited for use in environments where the cap and/orcontainer to which the cap is attached may be subjected to theimposition of various forces. Examples of such forces include those thatmay be imposed when the capped container is dropped. Performance of anembodiment of the cap has been validated through testing and analysis.Further details concerning testing and analysis are set forth below inconnection with the discussion of FIG. 20.

In one example test evolution, an HDPE container, examples of which aredisclosed herein, was filled to about 80% of capacity (fill pointvolume—FPV) with a non-viscous, incompressible fluid. No gases otherthan atmospheric air were present in the container, and pressure in thecontainer was assumed to be only the hydrostatic pressure attributableto the fluid present in the container. The container was sealed with acap, embodiments of which are disclosed herein. The container wasoriented on its side, such that the force resulting from the hydrostaticpressure exerted by the volume of contained fluid was directed in aradial direction relative to a neck of the container, that is, downward,and also in an axial direction relative to a neck of the container.

Thus prepared, the container was then dropped on its side onto a hardsurface from a height of about 3 feet above the hard surface. Adistortion energy failure theory was used to evaluate the performance ofthe capped container. In particular, a Von Mises pressure distributionthroughout the container was obtained by performance of a finite elementanalysis (FEA) of the container. With this information, a profile ofpressure exerted on various parts of the container over time wasgenerated (see FIG. 20), and a determination made that deformations inthe container, and particularly the neck portion, remained within theelastic range of their respective materials. Notwithstanding the loadimposed during the test, and the resultant elastic deformations of thecontainer, no leakage of fluid from the container was observed over thepressure range measure −2 MP to 4 MPa, or over the pressure range of 3.5MP to about −1.5 MPa.

With more particular reference now to FIG. 20, the radial and axialpressure exerted (in MPa) over time on a neck portion of a container asa result of the aforementioned drop test are shown. The pressure profileon the neck portion of the container was modeled using the equation:

$I = {\underset{0}{\overset{t}{\int\int}}{\overset{\_}{p}(t)}{dA}\; {dt}}$

Where:

I is the impulse, that is, application of force F over a period of timet, and can be approximated as I=FΔt; and

the change in the force F, in turn, can be expressed as dF=p(t)·dA(i.e., pressure×area A).

Thus, as the foregoing relationships indicate, the force F (that is,pressure×area) is a function of time t because the pressure p changeswith time. This is consistent with the dynamic loading that would beexpected in a drop test, and is indicated in the plots of FIG. 20. Thus,if the force F changes over time, as expected, determination of theimpulse I requires integration over time, that is, over the interval0-t, as shown. As well, determination of the impulse I also requiresintegration over area, since the force F varies over the area to whichit is applied.

In particular, and as shown in FIG. 20, the plot labeled ‘Area A’indicates the change in pressure, over time, exerted in a radialdirection of a neck portion of a container, and the plot labeled ‘AreaB’ indicates the change in pressure, over time, exerted in an axialdirection of a neck portion of a container. As shown, the pressureexerted in the axial direction significantly exceeded the pressureexerted in the radial direction.

Thus, using the relationships noted above in connection with a droptest, a determination can be made as to how a container with fluid in itwill respond to forces exerted in connection with the drop test. Thisinformation, in turn, can be used to in the design of a cap and sealconfiguration that will provide acceptable performance when subjected toconditions similar to those experienced during the example drop test.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and rangeof equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed:
 1. A cap, comprising: a body, comprising: a plugdefined by a recess extending downward from an upper surface of thebody, and a bottom of the plug has a convex shape; a skirt disposedcircumferentially about the plug such that a gap is defined between anexterior surface of the plug and an inner surface of the skirt; and twotongues connected to the skirt and extending radially inward toward theplug, each of the tongues configured to releasably engage respectivecorresponding structure of a container; and a seal disposed about anouter surface of the plug so as to be concentric with the plug, the sealincluding a plurality of radially extending circumferential fins.
 2. Thecap as recited in claim 1, wherein the body of the cap comprises athermoplastic material.
 3. The cap as recited in claim 1, wherein theseal comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.
 4. The cap as recited in claim1, wherein the seal is in the form of an overmold on the plug.
 5. Thecap as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the tongues is disposed in arespective window defined in the skirt.
 6. The cap as recited in claim1, wherein the seal is dynamically responsive to a load applied to thecap such that the seal elastically deforms in response to application ofthe load, and the load is a static and/or dynamic load.
 7. The cap asrecited in claim 1, wherein part of the bottom of the plug is textured.8. The cap as recited in claim 1, wherein the cap is configured to besnapped onto a neck portion of a container.
 9. The cap as recited inclaim 1, wherein when the cap is fully engaged with a container, the capis removable from the container with about a one quartercounterclockwise turn of the cap.
 10. The cap as recited in claim 1,wherein the seal includes a flared portion that is concentric with thefins and is disposed at an upper end of the seal.
 11. An apparatus,comprising: a container including a reservoir and a neck portion influid communication with each other; and a cap, comprising: a body,comprising: a plug defined by a recess extending downward from an uppersurface of the body, and the plug having a bottom that is convex whichhas a convex shape over a pressure range of about −2 MPa to 4 MPa; askirt disposed circumferentially about the plug such that a gap isdefined between an exterior surface of the plug and an inner surface ofthe skirt; and two tongues connected to the skirt and extending radiallyinward toward the plug, each of the tongues configured to releasablyengage respective corresponding structure of the neck portion of thecontainer; and a seal disposed about an outer surface of the plug so asto be concentric with the plug, the seal including a plurality ofradially extending circumferential fins.
 12. The apparatus as recited inclaim 11, wherein the container includes an integral dip tube in fluidcommunication with the reservoir.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim11, wherein when the cap is fully engaged with the container, the cap isremovable from the container with about a one quarter counterclockwiseturn of the cap.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein theseal is dynamically responsive to a load applied to the cap and/orcontainer such that the seal elastically deforms in response toapplication of the load, and the load includes static and/or dynamiccomponents.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the sealmaintains a fluid tight seal of the container notwithstandingapplication of the load.
 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11,wherein the body of the cap comprises a thermoplastic material and theseal comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.
 17. The apparatus as recitedin claim 11, wherein the seal includes a flared portion that isconcentric with the fins and is disposed at an upper end of the seal,and when the cap is fully engaged with the neck portion of thecontainer, the neck portion of the container is in contact with both theflared portion of the seal and the fins.
 18. The apparatus as recited inclaim 11, wherein when the cap is fully engaged with the neck portion ofthe container, the fins are positioned within the neck portion of thecontainer, and an upper end of the neck portion is positioned in a gapbetween the plug and the skirt.
 19. An apparatus, comprising: acontainer including a reservoir and a neck portion in fluidcommunication with each other; and a cap, comprising: a body,comprising: a plug defined by a recess extending downward from an uppersurface of the body, and the plug having a bottom that is elasticallydeformable between a first state where the bottom is convex and a secondstate where the bottom is horizontal; a skirt disposed circumferentiallyabout the plug such that a gap is defined between an exterior surface ofthe plug and an inner surface of the skirt; and two tongues connected tothe skirt and extending radially inward toward the plug, each of thetongues configured to releasably engage respective correspondingstructure of the neck portion of the container; and a seal disposedabout an outer surface of the plug so as to be concentric with the plug,the seal including a plurality of radially extending circumferentialfins.
 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein when the finsare in an undeformed state, an outside diameter of the fins is largerthan an inside diameter of the neck portion of the container.